Beginner Question: What Are "GROUPS"???

Hi :)

I am just starting to learn about clematis and noticed many references to "group" numbers (group1, group 3, etc.).

How many groups are there and what do they mean?

I'm in zone 6 - is there a certain "group" I need to look for?

Thanks so much!

~ Natasha

I could type it out, but instead I will give a link to an excellent article on the pruning groups, and how to prune.

http://www.clematis.com.pl/wms/wmsg.php/

The link didn't bring you directly to the article. Here is the path to follow once you are at the website.

vines in garden > care and culture of Clematis > pruning

It may seem confusing at the start but soon you'll see the big flowered ones "mostly" flower in May to June and then again in September - they are "Group 2". So, if they're the ones that catch your eye you're in a good zone to grow them. Your zone should be ideal for growing "most" clematises. Good luck!

Natasha..it's really simple once you get the mental hang of it...
This is a great site to read...Jeanne
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/clematis_17.asp#prune%20clematis

Thanks to all of you who are trying to help me :) DG is the most incredible community!

I have one more question:

If a clem. is described as having a bloom time of "JUNE- SEPT.", for example - does that mean it is in constant bloom that whole time, or do the blooms come in flushes?

Thanks :)

One flush from the end of May into June and rebloom in September.

That was my original question when I started in with clem's.

Knitty- it depends on your clematis. Some group 2's bloom well on both old and new wood, so you can have blooms all summer long. One group 2 that blooms that way for me is General Sikorski. While it isn't a prolific bloomer like some, I appreciate that there are always blooms on it beginning about mid June to whenever we get a hard frost.